The UAB School of Dentistry has named Elyse Dengler, DMD, FAGD, as Director of Academic Affairs. An assistant professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences, Dengler brings a strong commitment to the school’s mission and values, a deep interest in student learning and success, and demonstrated leadership in planning and organization.

In her new role, Dengler will help lead several Office of Academic Affairs initiatives and operations. She will continue to serve as a faculty group manager and maintain her teaching responsibilities.

“Dr. Dengler has been a leader of change and innovation in all areas of her teaching responsibilities,” said Ramzi Abou-Arraj, DDS, MS, associate dean for academic affairs. “Her proactive approach and high organizational skills have helped strengthen our clinical operations and enhance student preparation. The Office of Academic Affairs and the School of Dentistry are in a better place with her addition to our team.”

After earning her DMD from UAB in 2018, Dengler completed a General Practice Residency at the University of North Carolina. Her early career included community dentistry, private practice, and teaching at UAB. She returned to the school full-time in 2023.

Dengler’s teaching portfolio spans all four years of the DMD curriculum. She currently serves as course director for foundational and clinical courses including Entry Level Clinical Skills (ELCS), Clinical Integration, Dental Coding, and Review of Dentistry. She also teaches general dentistry in the clinic and serves as a faculty group manager for third- and fourth-year students in the SOD Comprehensive Care Clinic.

Since returning to UAB, Dengler has completed more than 90 hours of professional development through the UAB Center for Teaching and Learning, UAB Learning & Development, and other leadership, simulation, and interprofessional education programs. She received an ADA Council on Dental Education and Licensure Scholarship and became a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). In her previous role as Assistant Director of the Comprehensive Care Clinic (CCC), she was instrumental in onboarding new faculty in CCC operations and patient electronic health record systems.

“I’m honored to serve in this new role and excited to continue working with our students and faculty,” said Dengler. “Academic Affairs is central to the student experience, and I look forward to contributing to the school’s mission through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence.”